Rob Thomas, Reba McEntire at Mohegan Sun Arena This Week

August 16, 2010

Rob Thomas has had a tremendous15-year run writing hit songs for both himself and his band, Matchbox Twenty. That remarkable success has opened doors for work with some of the biggest names in music, from his tag-team with Santana on the record-shattering1999 hit "Smooth" to songwriting collaborations with the likes of Mick Jagger, Willie Nelson and Marc Anthony.

Before MB20 reconvenes to work on a new album this fall, Thomas is spending his summer on the road for a stripped-down solo tour that comes to the Mohegan Sun Arena on Aug. 24. Expect to hear Thomas' biggest hits, plus some choice covers, in a "Storytellers"-style environment.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $40. Proceeds benefit the Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a wide-ranging non-profit set up by Thomas and his wife that focuses on animal care and welfare, environmental causes, issues affecting children, music education and the eradication of poverty and homelessness. Information: 888-226-7711 or http://www.mohegansun.com.

Brian Lee, Special to The Courant

Reba McEntire Plays Mohegan Sun Arena Aug. 21

If anyone can lay claim to the queen of country music crown, it's Reba McEntire. Over her three-decade-plus career, McEntire has sold more than 55 million albums and starred in movies, on TV and on Broadway, becoming a true multimedia star who is easily identifiable by her first name alone.

Amazingly, Reba's career continues to ascend to new heights. Her 25th studio album, "Keep On Loving You," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts last year, and she'll try to add to her library of No. 1 country singles – 34 strong and counting – when she releases a new album in November. The lead single from that yet-to-be-named album, "Turn On the Radio," is already generating plenty of heat on the charts.

Nashville country artist Steve Azar opens for Reba when she plays the Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $40 to $60. Information: 888-226-7711 or http://www.mohegansun.com.